By Kiin 360 Newsroom | April 15, 2025
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has voiced strong concerns over the persistent issue of estimated electricity billing, describing recent charges by electricity distribution companies (DisCos) as “outrageous and unacceptable.”
Speaking during a roundtable event between the Lagos State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) held in Victoria Island on Monday, Dr. Hamzat revealed that his official residence received an electricity bill of N29 million for April — a dramatic jump from the N2.7 million billed in March.
“I am a very good example of this problem,” he said. “Last month, the bill for the official residence was N2.7 million. This month, Eko DisCo sent a bill of N29 million. I sent it to the Commissioner for Energy. It’s crazy. I actually procured a meter to avoid estimated billing, but converting it has been an ordeal.”
Dr. Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, said the issue of erratic and estimated billing affects not just high-ranking government officials but ordinary Lagosians as well. He cited a disturbing case of a resident in Coker-Aguda, Surulere, who received a bill of N2.8 million — more than his annual rent of N2 million.
“Our people are suffering because of estimated billing,” the deputy governor said, calling on power distribution companies to address the long-standing concerns of their customers.
The roundtable also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lagos State Government and the REA, aimed at providing solar-powered electricity to underserved rural communities across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, praised the partnership as a significant milestone towards ensuring stable and affordable electricity for all.
“Opportunities are opening up for those who never thought they would experience constant and stable electricity,” Ogunleye said, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to energy reform.
The Lagos-REA collaboration is part of ongoing efforts to improve access to sustainable energy solutions, especially in off-grid area.
